Evolution / Genetics

Largest collection of Peruvian antiquities returned

More than 4,000 archaeological artifacts were returned to the Ministry of Culture. The vast collection of archaeological and historical pieces was on display last week by the Ministry of Culture, to celebrate their collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Relations in successful recovery of artifacts from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Spain and the United States.

The recovery comes as result of several years of work, based on agreements signed by Peru with different countries to protect and return historical artifacts. The agreements help build 22 different legal cases claiming that the stolen pieces were smuggled out of the country to be sold in antiquities markets. One of the most famous processes was the Janeir Aude case in Argentina. In ran for 14 years and disputed 4,136 artifacts, including perfectly preserved ancient mummies.

Culture Minister Alvarez Calderón said a total, 4,174 pieces were recovered from Argentina, 88 from the United States, 79 from Chile, two from Canada and one from Spain. It was the largest collection of recovered pieces handed over at the same time to the Ministry.

Their work, along with the Ministry of Foreign Relations, have helped recover a great number of antiquities in the past 5 years. More than 8,000 artifacts have been returned from other countries like Germany, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Denmark, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.